1952Governor Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. / Sen. Barry M. Goldwater (D): 52.4%President Earl Warren / Vice President Harold Stassen (R): 47.2%Economic decline, coupled with the great expansion of entitlement programs, became unpopular with the American public and Democrats. The conservatives finally prevailed at taking back the Democratic Party, while the GOP reverted back to its progressive roots in this election cycle. The young Kennedy and experienced Goldwater provided a unified and balanced ticket while the perceived frontrunner throughout the election, the President, hardly lifted a finger throughout the entire campaign. President Kennedy campaigned hard for Congressional Democrats in the midterms, helping them to take back the house and senate, solidifying conservative majorities in both chambers. Meanwhile, a primary challenge from freshman Senator Hubert Humphrey promised a unified nation and fiscal Responsiblity, while providing for those in need. Kennedy campaigned on tax cuts, reductions in entitlement spending, and a decrease in military adventurism while providing a strong stance against communism, capitalizing on perceived weaknesses of the Warren administration.
